Mike Houston Interview

For the second time in three seasons, ESPN College GameDay will broadcast live from the James Madison University Quad on Saturday, Oct. 14, featuring JMU’s matchup against Villanova. JMU’s initial broadcast drew more than 12,000 fans to the Quad on Oct. 24, 2015, which in turn brought a Bridgeforth Stadium-record 26,069 spectators to JMU’s game that night with Richmond.

JMU’s 20-10 win at Delaware on Sept. 30 marked the 17th consecutive victory for the Dukes, which tied the CAA all-time, win-streak record. The 17 victories tied Richmond’s 2008-09 record, which ended at the hands of Villanova – this week’s opponent for the Dukes.

It is also a program record for wins and leads all Division I teams, both at FBS and FCS. Clemson has won 11 straight, while USF has claimed 10 in a row. No other FCS team has won more than six straight. The 17-game mark is tied for 13th all-time in FCS history, matching UR, Appalachian State (2006-07), Penn (2002-04) and Robert Morris (1999-00).

JMU has also won 18 straight games against FCS opponents, with the last loss coming on Dec. 5, 2015 versus Colgate in the second round of the playoffs.

Villanova comes to town sporting a 4-2 overall record, including 2-1 mark in CAA play, following a 31-0 win last week against Maine. Last week, Villanova forced six turnovers (four INT, 2 FR), blocked a punt and tackled the punter on another special teams play.

VU averages 29.2 points per game while limiting foes to 13.2 per outing. Their scoring defense is second in the CAA only to JMU. It leads the league in rushing defense (50.0) and is third in total defense (283.8).